Is Haslem locked in as playoff starter?

ASK IRA:

Ask Ira is a daily feature of the Sun Sentinel

April 7, 2014|By Ira Winderman, South Florida Sun Sentinel

MIAMI — Q: Ira, is small ball back? It looks like Udonis Haslem will be the starting center no matter who they play. And Chris Bosh's 3-pointers can give them the spacing they had with Shane Battier. -- Robert.

A: Honestly, I don't see any other option at this point. They is no way they can reestablish rhythm with Greg Oden in time, especially with a pair of back-to-back sets remaining, and it's not as if the Heat are about to mess with the chemistry and energy that Chris Andersen delivers off the bench. As bonus, when teams do match small, it presents the option of Battier entering off the bench at power forward. The greatest challenge, amid the ever-shrinking play of Roy Hibbert, could be how to handle Joakim Noah, if they wind up matching up against the Bulls. That might be asking too much of Haslem, with the possibility of Gator-on-Gator crime. A Bulls series could wind up as Oden's lone chance for playoff redemption.

Q: J.R. Smith set the NBA record for most 3-point attempts in Sunday's game with 22. Udonis Haslem tied Alonzo Mourning for the most offensive rebounds in Heat history. I like the hustle stat better. -- Stuart.

A: It was a nice moment for Haslem, who offered heartfelt reflections about Mourning after the game. While all that time off might have been difficult for Haslem, he certainly has returned with a hope in his step.

Q: How embarrassing would it be for the Heat if they were to lose to the Pacers on April 11? -- Rose.